Compressor-controlling mechanism



F. D. HOLDSWORTH.

COMPRESSOR cowmouma MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FlLED APR. 17, 1919.

1,401,908, I Patented Dec. 27 1921.

E is if. i

FRED D. HOLDSWORTH, F CLAREMONT, NEW PSHIRE, ESSIGNOR T0 SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF SSACHUSETTS.

comranssonconrnoume mnonnnism.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 17, 1919. Serial no. 290,645.

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED D. HOLDSWORTH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Glaremont in the county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, have invented certain new and useful- 'Im rovements in Gompressor- Controlling echanism, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to compressor controlling mechanism.

It has for its object to provide an improved and simplified compressor controL ling mechanism especially adaptedto use .in connection with compressors of the motor driven type. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved, simplified, and compact controlling mechanism for controlling the motor of a motor driven compressor and the loading or the latter,'wher'e y the motor and compressor are automatically controlled by fluid pressure and the motor. is brought up to speed before the compressor is loaded. These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown for purposes of illustration'one embodiment which my invention may assume in ractice.

11 these drawings,-

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a motor driven compressor equipped with my improvement.

Fig. 2 is a detail view, partially in section, showing a part of the controlling mechanism.

In this illustrative construction, it will be observed that I have shown a compressor 1 which may be of any desired construction, herein having a piston 2 reciprocable in a cylinder 3 thereof in such a manner as to draw in air through the air intake 4 and usual suction inlet valves 5, and discharge the same through usual discharge valves 6' into a discharge pipe 7 leading to a receiver 8. In the form illustrated, this compressor is driven by a motor 9, herein shown to be directly connected thereto.

In my improved construction, it will be observed that the receiver is connected through a pipe 10 with a pilot valve 11. As this pilot valve maybe of any well known type and is herein shown as of the well known Judson type, it need not be more specifically described than to say thatlit is adapted, when the receiver pressure rises above a predetermined point, to supply the same from the pipe 10 to a. pipe 12, and, when the pressure falls, to permit the escape of the pressure in the latter pipe througha vent 13. As shown, the pipe 12 communicates with an inlet '14 leading to a cylinder 15 on the controller casing 16, through a port 17 controlled by a check valve 18 having a vent 19 therein. In this form of my invention, it will also be observed that the cylinder 15 is provided with a chamber 20 of reduced cross section, at its upper end, and a piston 21 adapted to move in its lower end. This piston. 21,*it will be noted, is provided with a piston rod 22 having secured thereto a downwardly extending member 27 provided with lateral extensions 23 movable vertically in suitable slots 24 formed in an enlarged lower end of the casing 16 and connected through springs 25 with corresponding extensions 26 formed on the upper end of the casing 16.

The member 27 which is, as stated, operatively connected to the lower end of the piston rod 22, is movable t rough an aperture 28 in the casing member 16. As shown, this member 27 is provided with a longitudinally disposed slot 29, the ends of which are adapted alternately to engage a pin 30 forming a pivotal connection between two transversely disposed toggle members 31 and 32, pivotally and slidably supported at 33 and 3st in suitable slots or bearings 35 and 36 on the opposite sides of the casing 16, one of these members, herein the member 31, being preferably adjustable relative to its bearing by means-of a set screw 37, adj ustable from the exterior of the casing. In a preferred form of my invention, a set screw 38 is also adjustably mounted on the lower end of the member 27 so that it may perform the double function of actuating and controlling the time of actuation ofian upstanding switch controlling member 39. As shown, this member 39 is carried in a foot-piece 40 on the lower end of the casing and operatively connected to any suitable snap switch mechanism 11 disposed in that foot-piece and adapted to make or break the circuit connections between conductors 42 Patented Dec. 27, 11921.

slidably mounted in a suitable valve casing 48 carried in the side of the casing 16, and

I movable in a slightly larger horizontally disposed opening 49 in the members 16 and 48. This member47 in turn engages a valve member 50 adapted-to close communication between a pipe 51f communicating with the receiver connection 10, anda pipe 52 having branches leading 'to plungers 53 located beneath the suctionvalves 3 and adapted to be forced upward into engagement with those valves. to liftfthe same from, their seats, or, when pressure isrelieved 1n the pipe connection'f52, to let the valves be I againvseated by their usual springs, herein shown at 54. In this embodiment of my invention, it will also be noted that this I valve member 50 is provided with'vent ports 55 adapted; when communication between the pipes 51 and 52 is closed, to permit the air in the; pipe connection 52 to pass out through. the same and around the member 47 into the casing 16, from whichthe air I may escape tq the atmosphere through the slots 24.

In the operation of my improved construction, it will be observed that when pressure in the receiver reaches a predetermined limit the pilot valve 11 will be operated in a usual manner to permit this pressure to flow throu h the pipe 12. As a result of the ressure lifted from its seat, permitting the air .to flow freel to the chamber. 20 and as a result depress t e spring suspended'piston 21 in its cylinder 15. As the piston 21 is thus moved downward, the member 27 will move with the same in such a manner as to bring its set screw 38 into engagement with the switch controllin member 39 and thereby break the motor circuit through the relay 44. As the member27 moves downward it will also be observed that all support is removed from the pin 30 so that the receiver pressure act ing through-the pipe 51 may force the valve 50 oi? its seat, at the-same time pushing the member 47 toward the member 32 to assist grgavity in depressing the toggle pin 30. a result of the opening of this valve 50, it will be observed that receiver pressure is permitted to pass through the pipes 10,. 51, and 52 to the plungers 53 in such a manner as elevate the suction inlet valves 5 from their seats in a well known manner and thereby unloadthe compressor. Conversely, when the receiver pressure drops below a and thereby actuate,- a longitudinally movable member 47 herein ow, the check valve 18 will be predetermined point, the pilotwalve 11 will, in its usual manner, actto exhaust the air in the pipe 12 throu 11 its outlet 13, and thereby permit the va ve 18 to'seat' and the pressure in the chamber 20' to beexha'ustedthrough the vent 19 in the valve 18 Y and the vent 13 of the pilot valve. As a result of the exhaustion of the pressure in the upper end of the casing 16, the piston 21 will move upward underthe action of its springs 25, carryingwith it the member 27; As this lattermember moves out of engagement with the member 39,-the snap, switch 41, then being released, will be automatically thrown a well known manner andthe motor circuit thereby closed'to start the motor. Also, it will be observedthat as and the provision of the chamber 20 and the slow exhausting means therefor, the lower end of the slot 29 will not engage the pin 30 'a result ofthe slotting of the member 27 until the motor has come up 'to speed.

Whenxthis occurs, the member 32 and the member 47 will be moved laterally to close the valve 50 and thereby shut off the supply of air to hold the suction valves elevated. At the same time, the pipe 52 will also be connected to the atmosphere through the vents 55, the opening :49, etc, so that the valves 5 may be seated by their springs and .the compressorloadedi y As a result" of m improved construction, it will be observe'dit at the controlling mechanism is of an exceedinglysimple, compact,

and unitary character adapted to be manufactured cheaply-and applied withfacility to stan ard machines. Also, through the varioiisadjustments ossible, it'will be noted that it is adapted to ner as to operate efiiciently during long use in service despite wear of the 7 parts. These and other advantages of my improved construction will, however, be apparent to those skilled inithe art. Y

While I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my invention ma assume in pr "tice, it is to beundersto'od that this form is shown for illustrative purposes only, and that the in vention may be modified and embodied in various other form's without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a compressor, a plurality of controlling means for said comressor having actuating elements movable 1n paths disposed at an angle to .each' other, and a single means for actuating both of said actuating elements.

2. In combination, a compressor, a plurality of controlling means for saidcompressor having actuating elements movable in paths disposed at an angle to each other,

e timed in such a manand a single means for actuating both of said actuating elementsand moving in a path coaxial with the path of movement of one of said elements.

3. In combination, a compressor, a pluralityof controlling means for said compressor having actuating elements movable :in paths disposed at an angle to each other,

and a single means for actuating both of said actuating elements and. moving in a path substantially perpendicular to the path of movement of one of said elements.

4. In combination, a compressor, a plurality of functionally dis-similar controlling means therefor having actuating elements movable in paths disposed at .an angle to each other, and a single means for actuating both of said actuating elements;

5. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a compressor unloading mechanism, a pressure controlled switch actuatin member, a controlling valve for said un oading mechanism movable transversely of the path of said switch actuating member, and valve operating connections cooperating with said switch actuating member.

6. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a controlling valve, operatively connected actuating members for said switch and said controlling valve movable transversely of one another, and

ressure controlled actuating means thereor.

7. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a controlling valve, operatively connected pressure controlled actuating means for said switch and said valve, said means being movable transversely of one another, and a pilot valve controlling the operation thereof.

8. In a compressor controllingmechanism, in combination, a pressure controlled memher, a controlling valve, and a toggle con nection controlling said valve and actuated by said member.

9. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a pressure controlled switch'actuating member, a controlling valve governing the operation of the compressor, and a toggle connection controlling said valve and actuated by said member.

10. In acompressor controlling mechanism, in comblnation, a switch, a pilot valve, a switch actuating member controlled thereby, a controlling valve, and a toggle connection controlling said valve and actuated b said member.

11. n a compressor I controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch actuating member having a slotted end, an inlet valve .controlling valve, and a valve actuating toggle mechanism engageable with the end of the slot in said switch actuating member.

12. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch actuating member having a slotted end, an mlet valve controlling valve, and a valve actuating 'ggle connection having its connecting pin isposed in the slot in said switch actuating member.

13. In a. compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch actuating member, a switch actuated thereby, an inlet valve controlling valve, and a toggle connection for operating the latter actuated by said switch actuating member and the movement of said valve.

14. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch actuating member responsive to receiver pressure, a switch actuated thereby and disposed beneath the same, a laterally disposed inlet valve controlling valve, and an actuating member therefor movable laterally by said switch actuating member.

15. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a controlling valve governing the operation of the compressor, operatively connected pressure controlled actuating means for said switch and. for said valve, a pilot valve controlling the operation of said pressure controlled actuating means, and a vented valve between said means and said pilot valve] 16.'In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a ported valve controlling the operation of the compressor, means for successively actuating said switch and said valve, valve mechanism controlling the supply of air to said compressor, and fluid pressure controlling means for said mechanism communicating with the atmosphere through the ports in said valve when the latter is in one position.

17. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a ported valve controlling the operation of the compressor, means for successively actuating said switch and said valve, valve mechanism controlling the supply of air to said compressor, and fluid pressure controlling means for said mechanism communicating with the atmosphere through the ports in said valve when the latter is in closed position.

18. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a ported valve controlling the operation of the compressor, means for successively actuating said switch and said valve including a laterally movable valve actuating member, valve mechanism controlling the supply of air to said compressor, and fluid pressure controlling means for said mechanism communicating with the atmosphere through the ports in said valve when the latter is in closed position.

19. In a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch. a compressor controlling valve, pressure controlled means for successively actuating said switch and said valve including a switch actuating member, an operatively connected toggle, and a movable valve-actuating member actuatedb 'saidtoggle.

20. n a compressor controlling mechanism, in combination, a switch, a compressor controlling valve having ports communicating with the atmosphere, pressure controlled means for successively actuating said switch and said valve including a switch actuating member, an operatively connected toggle, and a movable valve actuating member actuated by said toggle.

21. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a switch, a'controlling valve having ports communicating with the atmosphere and operative to control the loading and unloading of the compressor, pressure controlled means for successively actuating the switch and valve including a switch actuatin member and a lost motion connected va ve actuating to gle mechanism, means for adjusting one o the pivots of the toggle mechanism, and means for varying the length of the actuating member.

22;In combination, a casing having a cylinder and a pressure chamber communicating therewith, a pilot valve controlling the supply'of pressure fluid to said cylinder and chamber, a vented valve between saidtween said pilot valve and said elements, a

piston movable in said cylinder, a switch, an inlet valve controlling valve, and means actuated by said piston for actuating said switch and, after a predetermined interval, said controlling valve. Y

24. In combination, a controller casing having a cylinder and a pressure chamber,

communicating therewith, a pilot valve controlling the supply of pressure fluid to said cylinder and chamber, a vented check valve between said ilot valve and said elements, a piston mova 1e in said cylinder, a switch, an inlet valve controlling valve, a slotted piston rod, and a valve actuating toggle mechanism having a pin disposed in the slot in said rod. I testimonfiwhereof I afiix in Si nature.

ED D. HOLDSlXO TH. 

